Rep. Pfluger Secures Big Wins in the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill'

WASHINGTON, DC — The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced a "strong, common-sense" reconciliation bill after over 26 hours of debate, announced Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). 

Upon passage, Rep. Pfluger released the following statement: 

"After over twenty-six hours of Democrat distractions, falsehoods, and baseless debate, Energy and Commerce Republicans stayed focused on delivering real, commonsense results for the American people. We have now completed our part in advancing President Trump's agenda through the 'One, Big, Beautiful Bill.' This package ends wasteful spending on woke Green New Deal-style programs, secures American energy dominance to support the rapid innovation of American industry, and preserves and protects Medicaid for all vulnerable Texans and Americans who truly need it. This legislation also expands rural connectivity through smart spectrum policy while safeguarding national security interests. Through these commonsense policies, we’re building a stronger, more secure America for generations to come."

Among the many Republican-backed victories supported by Rep. Pfluger in this legislation, this bill includes several key priorities Rep. Pfluger has specifically championed, which will directly benefit Texans and all Americans alike: 

Energy Wins: 

• Expedited LNG Exports (Section 41003) — Expedites approvals by deeming applications to non-free trade countries “in the public interest” upon payment of a $1 million fee, eliminating a previously lengthy review process. This streamlining preserves existing legal and regulatory authorities while potentially reducing approval timelines from years to months. This directly aligns with Rep. Pfluger's bill to strengthen energy leadership and expand LNG exports.
• Natural Gas Permitting Reform (Section 41005) — Creates a voluntary expedited permitting pathway with guaranteed timelines, requiring agencies to complete reviews within one year of fee payment ($10M or 1% of project cost). If review deadlines are missed, applications are automatically approved, and legal challenges are limited. This provision advances Rep. Pfluger's permitting reform priority and provides greater certainty for major energy projects.
• Strategic Petroleum Reserve Funding (Section 41008) — Provides a $2 billion appropriation for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), including $218 million for cavern repairs, $1.32 billion for oil purchases, and directs the remaining funds to reverse prior mandated sales. This targeted investment strengthens U.S. energy security and reserve readiness and directly supports Rep. Pfluger's priority to refill the SPR. 

Environment Wins:

• Air Pollution Monitoring Limitation (Section 42105) — Repeals and rescinds unobligated funds from IRA Section 60105, which had allocated $281.5 million to the EPA for expanding air quality monitoring networks. This reduces the EPA’s ability to identify new non-attainment zones, limiting additional regulatory burdens. This acts on Rep. Pfluger's priority to protect the Permian Basin from costly regulatory designations that could impact energy producers.
• Methane Emissions Program Delay (Section 42113) — Extends the timeline for the Methane Emissions Reduction Program charges by an additional 10 years. This extension reinforces Rep. Pfluger's success with his legislation that President Trump signed into law earlier this year. It also supports his position against the immediate implementation of the harmful program's current requirements.

Healthcare Wins:

• Affordable Care Act Exchange Reforms (Section 44201) — Amends the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) definition of "lawfully present" to exclude Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. This change counters the Biden Administration's May 2024 rule, which expanded ACA eligibility to include DACA recipients, a move with potential legal and financial implications. This aligns with Rep. Pfluger's previous Congressional Review Act efforts to prevent ACA expansion to DACA recipients.

WATCH: Rep. Pfluger Dismantled Several Democrat Lies On Key Provisions in the Final Package, Including:

• Lies on the LNG export user fees HERE
• Work requirements for Medicaid benefits HERE
• How this bill protects Medicaid for vulnerable, eligible Americans HERE.